Mqabba win

Mqabba 2
San Ġwann 1

Mqabba have recorded their first win of the season. Borislav Giorev's side were worthy winners with Shawn Magro and Michael Borg Olivier giving all sorts of problems to the Saints.

San Ġwann enjoyed the better start and after 10 minutes, Lee Cumbo's free-kick was palmed away by goalkeeper Kris Calleja. At the other end, Paul Chimezie's effort finished just wide.

Mqabba upped their tempo and deservedly went ahead on 26 minutes. Mario Caruana failed to clear and Magro pounced to release Borg Olivier who slotted home.

Mqabba made it 2-0 on the half hour and it was Borg Olivier who scored again when he headed home an Edric Borg free-kick.

On resumption, Magro dribbled his way through before serving Borg Olivier who hit home from just outside the box. However, the referee disallowed the goal after one of his linesmen raised his flag to signal an infringement.

With the Mqabba players showing their disapproval, the referee changed his decision and allowed the goal to stand. It was then San Ġwann's turn to protest heavily and after a talk between the two officials, the game resumed with a free-kick for Mqabba.

Apparently, the assistant referee had originally signalled a foul on Mqabba's Magro.

Chimezie just missed the target from close range when he met a Magro delivery in the Saints' box.

On 58 minutes, quite against the run of play, San Ġwann came back into the match. Chris Cuschieri's inch-perfect pass found Antoine Zahra who finished off the counter-attack by burying the ball home.

Mqabba now opted for a cautious approach, giving their opponents no space to manoeuvre to hold out for a 2-1 victory.

Mqabba
K. Calleja, M. Catania, M. Bonnici, M.A. Psaila, S. Magro, D. Azzopardi, P. Chimezie, C. Calleja, M. Borg Olivier (J. Fenech), E. Borg (M. Camilleri), M. Mifsud (L. Baldacchino).

San Ġwann
J. Spiteri, C.C. Giordemaina, L. Cumbo, M. Francica (R. Zammit), M. Caruana, A. Borg, C. Cuschieri (S. Zammit Fava), F. Aboulez (S. Pisani), J. Buttigieg, S. Hili, A. Zahra.

Referee: Glenn Tonna.

Best player: Michael Borg Olivier (Mqabba).